Solving the January Problem!

11 ways to cope with a month that's hard to love...

I’ve long had a love-hate relationship with January. After December’s excitement, I’m initially thrilled to embrace my hibernation fantasies, but as the short, bleak days march inexorably on, I begin wishing and hoping for something different. And so, I wrote January a letter, explaining how I feel…

I have mixed feelings about our relationship, and something needs to change. I’ve hesitated to raise this with you because the truth is, I want to break up with you and skip straight to February, but after 400 years on the calendar, I’m resigned to the fact that I’m stuck with you for the rest of my life.

January, if we’re going to fix our broken relationship, you need to make more of an effort.

Every year, as I anticipate you, I spend a lot of time thinking about how I can change and improve when you arrive, while you stubbornly refuse: you show up the day after a big night, you deliver 31 days of miserable weather and seasonal illnesses, and you contribute a total of zero exciting trips or parties for me to look forward to. You offer only one Monday off while expecting me to get up in the dark daily.

Do you see how disappointing this is, especially after December’s razzle-dazzle? I know you can’t completely change who you are and become a superstar like June or October, but couldn’t you at least try to be a bit more like one of the shoulder months, like November or April? All you need to do is ease up on the extreme cold plus add a holiday with delicious food, but no gifts required, like Thanksgiving or Easter…Not so hard, right?

I do appreciate the nice things you do for me: I feel great after 31 days of getting more sleep, eating healthily, and drinking less alcohol. It’s a relief to get rid of the Christmas tree and be done with my end-of-year-to-do-list. And, I’ll admit, I like wearing no makeup and not having to get dressed up.

I’d love to say, “It’s not you, it’s me,” but we both know that’s not true.

January, I’m doing my part. I’m trying! If you would kindly consider making some small changes (most urgently, adding a few more hours of sunlight to each day) I’d be so much happier, and I know you would be, too. Just imagine how bright you’d look and feel, all the fun we’d both have, and how much better your reputation would be!

January, I’m hopeful we can work on improving our relationship. I’m committed to working on myself, and I just need to know that you’ll at least try.

While I wait for January to get its act together, here’s what I’m reading, watching, wearing, and eating to cope with one of my least favorite months.

1. Outfit. I gave up skiing years ago due to my lack of talent and enjoyment, however, I do love everything Après Ski and wearing sweaters that channel glamorous European ski resort vibes!

2. Slippers. Although it’s a Rule of Midlife Happiness that we don’t extensively detail our injuries or medical issues, I highly recommend Oofos slippers and slides for anyone dealing with foot issues…

3. Evening ritual. My Australian grandmother, Grandy, was a stickler for habits and routines, and at 5 pm every evening, she would announce, "It’s time for my After Fives!” before disappearing into her bedroom to change into a floral nightgown and matching robe. She'd then pour a tiny glass of sweet Sherry to sip in her favorite armchair. When it's dark by 5 pm, I love declaring to my family that it's "After Fives" time, putting on my pajamas and robe, and marking the end of the workday with something yummy to drink—this month, it’s often a cup of peppermint tea or a Phony Negroni.

4. Body butter. My winter skin is dry and itchy, especially after a hot shower, and this inexpensive drugstore cream smells like chocolate and makes me feel, um, buttered!

5. Kitchen gadgets. I’m obsessed with this small but mighty air-popper for hot, fresh popcorn. I like to top it with melted butter and truffle oil, plus flaky sea salt. We keep our rice maker on the kitchen counter because it’s such a comfort to have warm rice available at all times!

6. Festive decorations. While our Christmas tree has been dismantled, we’re holding on to the festive spirit by keeping our wreaths, garlands, and lights on outside, plus displaying the holiday cards we received on a large pinboard until the end of January. It is such a joy to gaze at smiling faces and happy pets!

7. Lunch. I mostly eat lunch at home and crave something hot, but I don’t want to spend much time cooking—or make a big mess. Hence the one-pan no-recipe fish dish I invented that makes me feel like I’m on vacation in Greece: sauté whole grape tomatoes and sliced shallots (or garlic or red onion) in olive oil at medium-low for a few minutes with a dusting of dried oregano, add a filet of any kind of firm white fish, like cod or halibut, then salt and pepper the whole thing. Cook the fish with the tomatoes for 4 minutes per side, then serve on a bed of arugula and sprinkle with flaky salt. Sometimes I get extra fancy and sprinkle some macadamias or pistachios over the finished product!

8. Hairbrush. I gave my daughter this fancy French boar bristle hairbrush for Christmas and was so impressed with how pretty the brush is and how soft and glossy her hair looks I ordered one for myself!

9. TV show. My favorite cozy show, All Creatures Great and Small, just returned with its 5^th season. The English countryside is dreamy, and everything about this show, from the characters to their clothes and homes and the low-stakes storylines typically featuring adorable animals, warms my heart.

10. Book. I spent last week happily engrossed in The Ministry of Time, a novel set in present-day London with a fascinating time-travel element—and it’s a love story!

11. Trip. I’m dreaming of long, balmy days while planning a summer trip for our family to celebrate two big upcoming graduations: Teddy (14) from middle school, and Sadie (18) from high school! Southern Sicily is on my radar…

I’d love to know how you feel about January—I know some people love it—and how you’re getting by! Tips, tricks, and advice are very welcome!

1. How to Create a Happy, Cozy Home. Including the one thing I controversially do NOT have in my kitchen!

2. What Can I Bring? Sophie Hansen Solves a Perennial Problem. Plus, her favorite things, including an indispensable and inexpensive kitchen tool and a romantic getaway!

3. What to Drink When You're Not Drinking. Wine, beer, mocktails, and “bocktails” for the sober-curious.

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I’ll be back next week! xo Amelia

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